Impact of cannabis use on recovery from use of other drugs

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research was to investigate the impact of cannabis use on recovery from alcohol, amphetamine and/or heroin dependence. 209 patients from inpatient psychiatric units in Bahrain were diagnosed according to DSM-IV as having current alcohol, amphetamine, and/or heroin dependence. Their age was at least 18 years old. They participated in a Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders and gave urine samples for drug screen. Sustained remission was defined as at least 24 weeks without use following hospital discharge. Cannabis use significantly increased the hazard of first use of other substances [33% of those returned to use]. It reduced strongly the likelihood of stable remission from use of other substances [41% of those who did not achieve remission]. Also it was significantly associated with relapse [17% of those who relapsed]. Cannabis use affected first use of alcohol and amphetamine, stable remission, and subsequent relapse, but was unrelated to heroin outcomes. Cannabis is not only a [gate way drug] but also it is a [lock in drug]. It imprisons the patient in addiction on other substances. Treatment of drug dependence should consider the potential negative clinical implications of cannabis use on the use of other substances